"HANNES2000's new Liech ..." a Liechtenstein Travel Page by HANNES2000

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Liechtenstein is a principality between Austria and Switzerland, right in the heart of Europe. It is one of the smallest independent sovereign states of Europe. About 30,000 persons in all, of whom some 38 percent are foreign nationals, live on the territory of about 160 sq. Km (about 26km long and 6km wide). The State language is German but the population speak an Alemannic dialect. Liechtenstein lies in the Central European time zone and its currency is the Swiss franc. I lived almost one half year in this country and can everybody recommend to come and visit one time in life this principality at least. Liechtenstein is famous for the interest culture, unique museums and grandiose landscapes. The capital is Vaduz with 5000 inhabitants. Other cities are Schaan (5080) and Balzers (3840).

All villages of Liechtenstein:
· BALZERS
· ESCHEN/NENDELN
· GAMPRIN/BENDERN
· MAUREN/SCHAANWALD
· PLANKEN
· RUGGELL
· SCHAAN
· SCHELLENBERG
· TRIESEN
· TRIESENBERG/STEG/MALBUN/MASECHA/GAFLEI/SILUM
· VADUZ

Historical Background:
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The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719 and it then became a sovereign state in 1806. Right up until the end of World War I, it had close ties with Austria but that ended with the economic devastation caused by the war, in which Liechtenstein remained neutral. Liechtenstein has no army and is a monarchy therefore with its independent status, it has become a tax haven which has spurred outstanding economic growth. They enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world and unemployment is very rare.

When Prince Johann Adam I of Liechtenstein purchased the County of Vaduz, he became the fifth owner of Vaduz Castle. The family had been based in Vienna and the castle had been used over the years as a barracks, prison, restaurant and as the seat of administration. The castle was renovated between 1904-1914 and now this imposing guardian of Vaduz is home to the royal family.